Motul Monster's triumph at this year's Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM) Great Race Event in August, which celebrated the organisation's 50th anniversary, saw them receive the award as the record holder for the Point to Point Course when the T&T Powerboat Association held its annual Awards Ceremony at 51 Degrees, Port-of-Spain on Saturday.
Monster's team of driver Joey Sabeeney, his son Joshua, who was one of two navigators, Peter Peake (throttleman) and his son Daniel Peake (navigator), became the first T&T crew to rise to international fame by virtue of being signed into the record books as the fastest boat crew to drive from Trinidad to the sister isle of Tobago, despite being challenged by United States participant Lucas Oil in the 130mph 'A Class' division.
Despite Monster's achievements, however, it was Team Ironman that received the prestigious Garth Marshall Award for resilience and ambassadorship to powerboat racing. These attributes were exhibited during the year's 12 regattas by the Ironman crew, said Roger Belle, acting president of the powerboat association, in his speech.
Marshall, a former chief, cook and bottlewasher in the sport for many years, died last year but his legacy of competing year round with any excuses, was upheld at the weekend. Ironman recovered from a second-place position in the A Class this year, due to upgrade works to repair its engines following an unfortunate crash.
Meanwhile, Limitless, the 60mph 'G Class' campaigners was also among the awardees for their gutsy performance at the great race, being the first boat to make the trek from Trinidad to Store Bay in Tobago first.
Belle, who took over from Peter Peake earlier this year, believes the future of the race is bright, saying the event became internationally sanctioned for the first time under his watch and is expecting three international entrants next year.
2018 HONOUR ROLL
CRUISER CLASS
55 Class- 2nd Super Tuff , 1st- 55 Class- Ruff'N It
CRUISER CLASS S: 60 Class: 1st -The Legend Ms Apple J, 2nd- Timeless
G Class: 60 Class- 1st- Limitless, 2nd- Timeless
F CLASS: 70 Class 2nd Rite Formula, 1st- Fire Chief II
E CLASS: 80 Class, 4th- White Heat, 3rd- Papi Chulo, 2nd- Heatwave, 1st- Mobil Outlaw
D CLASS: 95 Class, 3rd- Chris Gone Wilder, 2nd- Energiza, 1st- Bacchanal
A CLASS: 130 Class, 5th- Gulf Ironman, 4th- Mr. Solo Too, 3rd- Jumbie, 2nd- Lucas Oil Silverhook, 1st- Motul Monster
UIM World Record Holder - Point to Point Course: Motul Monster Trophy